Cold Feet

CHRISTINE

After the skank leaves, I turn on Rick.

“What the fuck was that?” I ask.

“Hey,” he says. “I didn’t do anything. You saw what happened.”

“How the hell did you meet that skank?”

Rick decides to omit their history. “She works with Lara. Lara asked her to step in after James’ stroke. You know she hasn’t been at work since his stroke.”

“Well, what the hell? Am I supposed to believe that she just decided to try and kiss you right now? How long have you been working on the wedding together?”

“Christine,” Rick says putting his hands on my shoulders. I brush him off. “Listen, it wasn’t my choice. Lara recommended her after James’ stroke. I trust Lara’s judgement. I had no idea she was going to do that.”

Rick can’t be honest. He thinks it will just make Viola’s situation worse. In all honesty though, he hadn’t tried to do anything.

“What the hell is wrong with your shirt?” I ask realizing that it’s wet.

“She spilled coffee on it.,” I reply.

“Oh how sweet. So she could pretend to wipe it off and feel you up?” I ask cynically.

“Actually, I think it was an honest mistake,” Rick replies.

“What, are you defending her now?” I ask. I’m looking for someone to vent on and he’s the only one in the room.

“Chris, calm down please. It’s over. She’s gone and …”

“You’re damn right she’s gone,” I say. “I’m calling Lara.”

Rick wants to object but he doesn’t. He knows there’s no point. It’ll only make matters worse. I dial Lara and when she answers I first ask her about James. She tells me he hasn’t improved. I then proceed to tell her what just happened and tell her I demand that she fires Viola.

Lara is shocked and struggles to believe it. I put Rick on the phone and he confirms what happened. He hands the phone back to me and Lara tells me, she’ll let Viola go and apologizes. I apologize to Lara as well because I know she has no other back up which means she’ll have to return to the office to run the business herself.

Then I grab Rick and take him home. That night we make love like we have not made love in a long while and I realize I have been neglecting him for Grady. I realize I need to be careful or I could blow this.

She calls me after Viola has visited her office and returned the company laptop and phone. I apologize to her again for putting her in the predicament she’s in now. I offer to send over one of

keep the next

you

keep the weekend open. He never does that and since I told him to arrange everything for the wedding, I’m guessing

what about us?” Grady asks. “Haven’t I proved myself to you enough? How much is it going to take before you decide I’ve done enough. I’m beginning to think you’re simply

rich boy going to cry?” I ask sarcastically. “Don’t forget who left who the first time. Who broke my

already?” Grady asks, the irritation in

think so but it’s not your decision to make. You agreed to

to think that

supposed to mean?” I ask as

then make a decision one way or the other. Clouding your vision with another asshole on the side isn’t doing either of us any favors. Even worse, you’re planning to marry him but will leave him just like this,” Grady snaps his fingers, “if you decide you want to be with me. Why do you want to endure

anger flares. “Who the hell cheated on who the first time? Now you know what it’s like but you’re squealing like a little child! You’re allowed to fuck people over but don’t let it happen to

my apartment,” Grady reminds

you’re telling me I know where the door is?”

“Maybe,” he replies angrily.

me and head

can see down to the lobby of the hotel. I press the button for the ground floor and look down at the lobby as I wait for the doors to close. At the

have been denying him sex with me I have been denying myself. I’m crazy with desire and at last I respond to his kiss. Our mouths melt together as our fingers

at me in disbelief

“Fuck!’ I say.

asks. He wants to look where I’m looking but I stop

I try to consider my options and make a decision quickly. “Don’t get out of the elevator with me. Go back up. Don’t go

“Why? What’s the matter?”

us,” I tell him. “I’ll call you later.” Out of the corner of my eye I can see Lara moving toward the elevators. I hope I can get out before she get’s to them. I don’t want her to see Grady. She knows him. This just

number on the elevator panel and presses the close door button. The doors start closing as Lara

as possible and starts walking towards her. She reaches me, takes my arm and leads to a quiet

that?” she asks.

didn’t think she’d seen that much.

just kiss Grady in

and nod. “Lara, it’s not what you think it is. He

lot

that way to you but he’s strong. I promise you he’ll think